Classic Rock band April Wine seem to be showing no signs of showing down. For those of you born after 1989 and don't know who these guys are, just ask your dad. He'll roll his eyes at you, but eventually, he'll answer. It's not that April Wine's not an appealing band to the younger generation, it's that the younger generation is too caught up with stupid techno/indie/new age garbage. Create a parent-child bonding time around bands like April Wine. -NB April Wine Commodore Ballroom 868 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3 (604) 739-4550 Tickets $32.50-$100 Tickets to April Wine at Commodore Ballroom

Screw The Big Pink. The bill should be listed the other way around. You're not seeing the Big Pink, don't even try to. But! you will go see A Place to Bury Strangers. And then, once your eardrums have been blown out, you're going to go home and thank God that such a noise band still exists. -D.P. Venue, 881 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

As the daughter of Serge Gainsbourg, how could Charlotte ever possibly make a name for herself? Well she does. And it’s a far better reputation than either you or I could ever hope for. Her last album alone, IRM stands as a testament to her talent, and when compounded with the rest of her catalogue, it’s obvious that the young French singer is a titanesque monument to pop music as a whole. No matter what the price, you must go see her. -D.P Charlotte Gainsbourg Vogue Theatre 918 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6Z1L2 (604) 688-1975 Tickets not on sale yet- Be the first to get them when they do

Since the mid 1970's Jonathan Richman has been an icon in experimental rock n' roll. Originally with his band the Modern Lovers, Richman rose to new heights as a proto-punk revolutionary alongside the likes of David Byrne and Patti Smith. His songs have been covered by everyone from M.I.A. to John Cale. Hits like Roadrunner and Pablo Picasso are still heard in both films and cafes. Accompanied by drummer Tommy Larkins (of Naked Prey) and with a few lifetimes worth of great songs, this show promises to be one for the ages. –WB Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5T3J7‎ Tickets can be found @ Ticketweb

Have you ever wondered what the Flaming Lips would sound like with Neko Case on vocals? Subpop sweeties Beach House are kinda it. Not too say that they're not original, because this band has a pretty cool sound. It's just that through their own music I get a sense of what cool playlists these guys must have on their ipods!! With Bachelorette opening the show this concert will fit nicely into East Hastings' Rickshaw Theatre which on April 11th will play music for both the sketchies and the scenesters. –WB Rickshaw Theatre, 254 east Hastings Street Vancouver, BC, Tickets for this event can be purchased @ Ticketmaster

He's non-stop, isn't it? And isn't his actual stage name Owen Pallett. You know what he is, and there's nothing I can say to make you go or not go if you've made up your mind. (Go). -D.P. Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2‎

Well it sounds like The Morning Benders might just make something out of themselves. Beyond the quality of their songs, the Berkeley quartet has the approval of iTunes editors, not to mention Yo La Tengo, Yeasayer, Death Cab for Cutie, We Are Scientists, and Grizzly Bear. Wait...did I say they might make it? -D.P. The Media Club, 695 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Pitchfork sweethearts, Passion Pit are more than just hype; they're actually worth something musically. Sure, they may not be revolutionary, but hell, doesn't mean they're not damn good. And the live shows show that there are actual humans behind those blips and beating beats. And what's more, they don't come off as those self-indulgent idiots MGMT, but rather as self-aware, kind, and excited at the fact that they're playing to people. Every live rendition is success and every audience member can walk home, will want to walk home and wish that Passion Pit's music and joy soundtracked their entire lives. And for at least that sweet moment of post-show bliss, it very well might. -D.P. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3‎ Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

The thing about Blink 182 that made them so popular was that they didn't care about a thing. They made music that was fun, easy to relate to, and they never took themselves seriously. Tom DeLonge however, seems to have catapulted himself in the opposite direction with his band Angels and Airwaves. For some reason, the lead singer has all of a sudden changed from being a young man complaining about being awkward on first dates to some random guy that's essentially calling himself the greatest to have happened to rock music. The band's concepts are skewed and far too majestic for their abilities. Honestly, DeLonge should just go back to running around naked...at least he seemed nice then. -D.P. Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

One day I heard this song that the band Korn had done called Y'all want a single. They wrote it because their management told them to write a smash hit for their new album and they were like 'fuck that.' So they came up with the line 'Y'all want a single? Say fuck that!' The song is 3 minutes and 17 seconds long and they say fuck 87 times. I played it for my friend one day and later she told me "I was listening to it thinking how it really sucks, and then realized that it was supposed to suck and that was the point and then it became really cool." Now that's a Korn targeted audience… Idiots! Korn Queen Elizabeth Theatre West Georgia Street & Hamilton St Vancouver, BC (604) 665-3050 Tickets to Korn at QET Tickets $61

Every four years, the Paralympic Games outshine the other athletes in many different ways. With only ten days, the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will cover every event from Wheelchair Curling, Ice Sledge Hockey, Cross Country-skiing, Biathlon and Alpine Skiing (both standing, sitting, and for the visually impaired). Safe to say, these games are much more interesting than the Olympic Games. 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Vancouver Olympic Centre/Vancouver Paralympic Centre 400-3585 Graveley Street Vancouver, BC V5K 5J5 Tickets to 2010 Paralympic Games

Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi is on tour for his solo album Go. The Icelandic artist has had time to work on this project during his bands hiatus from touring and being in the studio. -WB Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St., Vancouver, BC Tickets for this event can be purchased @Live Nation

Kathleen Edwards reminds me of home because I used to live in Ottawa and she's from Ottawa and she played there all the time. And she was really good every time. Her songs are wicked and she's so nice and down to earth that you should totally go support this chick. Kathleen Edwards Whistler Medals Plaza 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604-932-5535 Free Admission

Unintentionally ironic, there are very few bands stronger than this Winnipeg-bred quartet. With a roots-infused indie rock ethos, alt. country leanings, and a few remaining nods to a punk pedigree (including social consciousness), the Weakerthans have a trenchant and resonant live show. Fronted by Canada’s poet-singer laureate, Jon K. Samson, the band’s evocative literary lyrics have an unmatched erudition. Expect smart kids and books. –S.T. The Weakerthans Whistler Medals Plaza 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604-932-5535 Free Admission

First, they were interesting and actually noteworthy, then they became popular with a few great songs...and fame kicked in, thus kicking the boys of Black Eyed Peas to the backroom, and giving Fergie all the light. And look what that did to her (but more importantly, us). Now, however, things seem to be a bit more on track. BEP is a full unit, with men intact...but still, one can't help but feel that's it's just Will.i.am and Fergie, and the other two (three?) are just there for the sake of keeping the band name. It's kind of sad to watch...but kind of fun as well. -D.P. General Motors Place, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

You may not have heard of Miike Snow, but you've definitely heard their music. Two of its members, under the moniker Bloodshy & Avant have written and produced the music of Madonna, Kelis and Kylie Minogue. They even won a Grammy for their work on "Toxic" by Spears. Hailing from Sweden and touring their eponymous album, they're sure to please any listener with their voices, as they have with those of others. -D.P. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Yet another one of those British sweethearts that girls swoon over, Cullum seems to sacrifice original artistic integrity for mass appeal. Kind of a British Michael Buble, really. And equally as boring with his attempts at jazz. That being said, his cover of Don't Stop the Music is actually pretty good. -D.P. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3, Canada Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Touring their new album, Resistance, Muse come to Toronto's Air Canada Centre with their mind blowing light show and epic sounds to match. Silversun Pickups support. - D.P. Pacific Coliseum, 100 N. Renfrew St., PNE Grounds, Vancouver, BC V5K 3N7 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Simon is a Rock, and Garfunkel, well I guess he's an Art. Shadowed though, by the true art of Paul Simons solo career, I wonder if he had to beg Paul to take him back out on the road. "Please Paul, you know I ain't nuttin' without ya!!" Oh Artie, well you got your wish and so did tons of folk who came of age in the sixties. (Get it?! Cause they're a folk group!!) But this isn't to say that a show with a catalog of songs this stunning can't be enjoyed by all. There's no question that when Art Garfunkel backs up the mastermind songwriting genius of Paul Simon there will be a setlist that overshadows even their greatest hits album. Except Simon won't be sporting the long hair, moustache and cap that made him look like a 60 year old Italian football coach. Nothing can overshadow that. –WB General Motors Place, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1‎, Tickets for this event can be purchased @ Ticketmaster

"I've been drunk for a month/These so called vacations will be my death" Lyrics like these are the reason why bands play in tawdry casinos. If you feel that you've got nothing going for you and if your life has really taken a turn for an appreciation tastelessness, then Western Canadian music might be for you. This lot, the so-called Spirit of the West try to capture the essence of folk rock, but fail wonderfully at it. After twenty-five years, I would say that perfect failure is their greatest achievement. -D.P. River Rock Casino, 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC V6X 3P8 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

These guys sound like they would kill their own mothers. No doubt, they put a lot of effort into their songs; there's an obvious complexity to it, but unfortunately, their craftsmanship may pass unnoticed under the barrage of screaming, fist-pumping, puppy-killing fans. Expect a lot of "hard-rockers" and guys with spiked bracelets. It'll be loud and violent, and hell, potentially impressive. But do you really want to risk your life for them? Nah, didn't think so. -D.P. Rickshaw Theatre, 254 East Hastings Street, Vancouver BC, BC V6A 1P1 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Every four years, the Paralympic Games outshine the other athletes in many different ways. With only ten days, the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will cover every event from Wheelchair Curling, Ice Sledge Hockey, Cross Country-skiing, Biathlon and Alpine Skiing (both standing, sitting, and for the visually impaired). Safe to say, these games are much more interesting than the Olympic Games. 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Vancouver Olympic Centre/Vancouver Paralympic Centre 400-3585 Graveley Street Vancouver, BC V5K 5J5 Tickets to 2010 Paralympic Games

Since the mid 1970's Jonathan Richman has been an icon in experimental rock n' roll. Originally with his band the Modern Lovers, Richman rose to new heights as a proto-punk revolutionary alongside the likes of David Byrne and Patti Smith. His songs have been covered by everyone from M.I.A. to John Cale. Hits like Roadrunner and Pablo Picasso are still heard in both films and cafes. Accompanied by drummer Tommy Larkins (of Naked Prey) and with a few lifetimes worth of great songs, this show promises to be one for the ages. –WB Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5T3J7‎ Tickets can be found @ Ticketweb

We have our Jack Johnsons, our Shins, and sir José González, but rarely do new bands make an appearance into the nature of slow folk music. Thankfully, there's The Low Anthem. While some of their songs are almost too slow for my taste, some of their singles such as To Ohio mix beautiful melodies with simplistic yet deep lyrics. -NB The Low Anthem St. James Hall 3214 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K 2L2 604-739-9373 Tickets to The Low Anthem at St James Hall Tickets $25-$33

Watch out, here come all the hippies from Hastings!! Out for a fun day in the sun with their tie-dye and acoustic guitars. Sitting around on the grass enjoying the mellow soothing noises of zzzz….uh….The Vancouver Folk Festival!! 3 days of parties, laughter and music. Come Monday all of which you wont even remember. But seriously besides all the stereotypes be sure to check out The Good Lovelies. If you liked The Be Good Tanyas then you'll like these gals as well. So bring a tent and some blankets and settle in to some good ol' fashioned roots music. -WB Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver, BC Tickets for this event can be purchased @ Vancouver Folk Fest Website

As the daughter of Serge Gainsbourg, how could Charlotte ever possibly make a name for herself? Well she does. And it’s a far better reputation than either you or I could ever hope for. Her last album alone, IRM stands as a testament to her talent, and when compounded with the rest of her catalogue, it’s obvious that the young French singer is a titanesque monument to pop music as a whole. No matter what the price, you must go see her. -D.P Charlotte Gainsbourg Vogue Theatre 918 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6Z1L2 (604) 688-1975 Tickets not on sale yet- Be the first to get them when they do

The thing about Blink 182 that made them so popular was that they didn't care about a thing. They made music that was fun, easy to relate to, and they never took themselves seriously. Tom DeLonge however, seems to have catapulted himself in the opposite direction with his band Angels and Airwaves. For some reason, the lead singer has all of a sudden changed from being a young man complaining about being awkward on first dates to some random guy that's essentially calling himself the greatest to have happened to rock music. The band's concepts are skewed and far too majestic for their abilities. Honestly, DeLonge should just go back to running around naked...at least he seemed nice then. -D.P. Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Formerly a member of Toronto supergroup Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett has decided, for quite some time now, to pursue his solo career. And it's paid off. Out of all the solo BSS projects, his is definitely one of the few to really take off. His hybrid alt-country/country-indie sound has gotten him signed to the prestigious Arts & Crafts label, and has taken him around the world. While some may find his music too rustic or whiskey-ish (a good way to describe it), he has a legion of fans, and now, at the Biltmore Cabaret, it's your chance to find out if you're enlisting. -D.P. Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3J7 Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Sweden has produced yet another group of angry heavy metal rockers to charm your Guitar Hero. Hammerfall will be playing at Club Soda, but teamed up with them is a real talented bunch, the American metal band Powerglove. Their first hit single Mario Minor is a heavy metal version of the Super Mario theme song...beautifully done, by the way. Yes, both bands have the cheezy logo's that typical Metal bands have to make themselves appear "hardcore," and while I don't support it, I do support both of these bands, and you going to watch them. The Venue, 881 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7, Canada Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

What's Iron Maiden? I hear they're these British guys that make a lot of noise with their guitars. I've seen pictures, they have long hair and dress horribly. Scream a lot too. But I hear the girls across the pond go crazy for that stuff nowadays. Huh. Sounds lame to me. -D.P. GM Place, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1, Canada Tickets can be found @ http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004464E1A1BFDB?artistid=735341&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=200

Kathleen Edwards reminds me of home because I used to live in Ottawa and she's from Ottawa and she played there all the time. And she was really good every time. Her songs are wicked and she's so nice and down to earth that you should totally go support this chick. Kathleen Edwards Whistler Medals Plaza 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604-932-5535 Free Admission

His voice actually sounds more country than anything, and his lyrics are relatively dry and melodramatic, but no ones going to say anything bad about Justin Hines. When your video is shot around Dundas Square, and when the images displayed throughout the video have no point to them, you could almost call him an experimental performer... but still not quite. -NB Justin Hines presented with the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games Whistler Medals Plaza 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604-932-5535 Admission: Free

This Sultan of Swing, in addition to 30 years of work with Dire Straits, has developed an impressive solo CV as well. And by solo I mean collaborative. Among the artists he's lent his guitar to include Bob Dylan, Brian Ferry, Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Randy Newman, and Steely Dan. That's musician-for-hire work worthy of Dave Grohl himself. - R.T. Mark Knopfler Queen Elizabeth Theatre West Georgia Street & Hamilton St Vancouver, BC (604) 665-3050 Tickets to Mark Knopfler at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tickets $90-$150

Serena Ryder's voice will make your ears cry in that happy, dignified, single tear way, not that sloppy, snotty, I-want-my-mommy, grocery store embarrassing incident manner. Her new cover-heavy album sounds like it should play on a phonograph rather than your Corolla (by the way, I love Corollas. Seriously.) stereo (but where would you put the giant amplifier?). -S.T. Serena Ryder Whistler Medals Plaza 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604-932-5535 Admission: Free Presented with the 2010 Paralympic Games

Yet another one of those British sweethearts that girls swoon over, Cullum seems to sacrifice original artistic integrity for mass appeal. Kind of a British Michael Buble, really. And equally as boring with his attempts at jazz. That being said, his cover of Don't Stop the Music is actually pretty good. -D.P. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3, Canada Tickets can be found @ Ticketmaster

Winner of countless Best Jazz Guitarist Awards, and 17 Grammy’s, Pat Metheny takes the stage and wipes the floor with his amazing performances. Want a free vacation that will take you all over the world? Sneak in his luggage, as his Worldwide tour, is taking him everywhere from North America, to the UK, to South Korea. It’s amazing where talent will take you… even though I’m sure Miley Cyrus has been to all of those places, and she’s about as talented as a tube sock. Pat Metheny Vancouver Center for Performing Arts 777 Homer Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2W1 (604) 602-0616 Tickets to Pat Metheny Tickets $50-$100